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Apply to Become the Next U.S. Youth Observer at the United Nations

As we approach International Youth Day highlighting the importance of young people worldwide, we want you to know that the State Department and the UN Association are once again offering young Americans an exciting opportunity to bring the voice of U.S. youth to the United Nations. For the second year the U.S. will send one young citizen to the UN General Assembly in New York as the U.S. Youth Observer. Young people are key drivers of change in our 21st century world, and this program shows the United States commitment to working with young people to address global challenges.

If you are age 18 to 25, and have an interest and passion for international affairs, civic engagement, and youth issues, you could qualify for this once in a lifetime chance to see the United Nations in action -- in person. The U.S. Youth Observer will travel to New York, interact with the U.S. delegation and other youth representatives from around the world -- and then share their experiences to their peers and the rest of the world.

The first-ever U.S. Youth Observer was Brooke Loughrin, and during last year’s opening of the UN General Assembly in New York, Brooke joined youth delegates from around the world to underscore in the presence of presidents and prime ministers the crucial import of seeking and hearing youth views on the globe’s most pressing challenges. She spoke with student groups, advocacy organizations, and diplomats. She also interacted positively with a series of U.S and international leaders, including former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State on Youth Issues Zeenat Rahman.